(37th LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT) – Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle (D-Bergen) released the following statement Wednesday on Gov. Chris Christie’s veto of legislation she sponsored (A-3404) she sponsored to establish the New Jersey Center for Oral Health at UMDNJ Dental School:
“The governor’s veto of my legislation to create a statewide oral health program is a disappointing move that will contribute to a continuation of the expensive health care problems plaguing our state.
“As everyone knows, poor oral health usually coincides with poor overall health. Sadly, the governor is missing an opportunity to combat this problem that costs taxpayers so dearly.
“The governor in his veto message indicated that he wants to wait until a UMDNJ advisory committee makes its recommendations before considering an oral health program.
“Does that mean no health care programs will be initiated or advanced until the governor gets those recommendations?
“That would not be in the best interests of the people of New Jersey.”